One of the biggest surprises on my journey towards a more sustainable life was learning about the fashion industry’s impact on our planet. Like most people, I never gave it much thought in the past as I added new clothes to my closet every season. Since learning the impact, I’ve changed my habits significantly, and it hasn’t been that difficult to do. Today I’m sharing 12 tips for a sustainable wardrobe.

The fashion industry is a huge problem

I first wrote about the perils of fashion for the environment in Why it’s time to ditch fast fashion. Sadly, the news isn’t any better now than it was when I wrote that post.

The World Economic Forum reports that the fashion industry generates 10% of the world’s carbon emissions, and is the second-largest consumer of the Earth’s water supply. Further, 85% of textiles end up in the dump—the equivalent of one garbage truck of clothing is burned or dumped every second. Let that sink in for a minute—a garbage truck every second.

We clearly cannot sustain this path, yet many fast fashion retailers continue to put out new collections every one to two weeks. And, these brands use their marketing power to convince us we constantly need more new clothing. Globally, we buy 60% more clothing now than we did 20 years ago—and that’s not the worst part. We now keep our clothes only half as long as we used to.

There is good news, though. It’s not difficult to reduce our personal impact. It really comes down to rethinking our habits and attitudes toward clothing—from what and how we buy, to how we look after our clothes, to finding responsible ways to get rid of clothing we no longer need.

Let’s look at my 12 tips for a sustainable wardrobe.

Rethink your buying habits

First, look at your buying habits.

Buy fewer clothing items

The most obvious way to reduce your environmental impact is to buy less. Make a commitment to shop your closet—wearing the clothes you already own instead of buying something new.

A good way to examine your consumption is to try a clothes buying ban for a period of time. In 2020, I set a goal to buy no new clothing. In an entire year, I bought only five new pieces of clothing, choosing instead to wear the clothes I have. Two years later, I rarely add new items to my wardrobe.

Buy quality items

Some pieces of clothing are timeless so it’s worth spending a little more money on a quality item that will last many years.  

However, if your clothing budget is tight, it’s okay to buy items from less expensive “fast fashion” brands. Just commit to looking after them and keeping them for a long period of time, instead of treating them as disposable.

Choose the right materials

The fibres shed from clothing are a big contributor to our microplastics problem. Instead of synthetics like polyester, choose pieces made from natural fibres like wool, cotton, bamboo, or hemp.

Another idea is to buy clothing made from recycled materials. I have a pair of shoes, and a purse made from recycled plastic water bottles.

Do your homework on the brands you support

Don’t be fooled by greenwashing tactics from some fashion retailers and brands. Do your homework and learn about their environmental policies—considering everything from how they manage their supply chain, where they source their materials, and the quality of their manufacturing processes.

Buy second hand

Thrift stores and consignment shops are popular options that can save you money and rescue clothes otherwise destined for landfill. You just might pick up some designer items at bargain prices.

Rent clothes instead of buying

Men have been renting tuxedos for special occasions like proms and weddings for years. Rentals for women’s clothing are gaining in popularity. Search “special occasion dress rentals” to find options in your area.

Another situation when renting clothing makes a ton of sense is maternity wear. Maternity clothes are expensive and they’re worn for such a short period of time. You can save a lot of money by renting.

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Keep your clothes longer

Beyond what you buy, another way to reduce your impact is to keep your clothes longer. A study done in the UK a few years ago revealed that the average piece of clothing is worn just seven times before being discarded, and many people consider clothes “old” once they’ve been worn three times. Heaven forbid you’re seen wearing the same outfit more than once.

I have several clothing items that I’ve had for 20 years or more. Let’s make it cool to keep our clothes. Here are some ideas to extend the lifespan of your clothing:

Look after your clothes

The first thing you can do to take better care of your clothes is wash them less frequently. Most items don’t need to be washed after every wear.

When you do wash, pay close attention to those washing instructions. Washing in cold water with mild detergent, is easier on your clothes.

As for drying, shun the dryer and hang your clothes to dry. It will extend the life of your clothes and save a ton of money on your energy bill.

Finally, fold your clothes carefully or hang them up to avoid wrinkles and snags.

Repair clothes

Our throwaway culture means very few people bother to repair anything. It’s just easier to throw things away and buy new. But, it’s so wasteful—not to mention costly—to throw away a perfectly good piece of clothing because of a minor repair.

Schools don’t teach home economics any more, but it’s not hard to learn how to do basic repairs like hems, small tears, ripped seams, and loose buttons.

For bigger items like zippers or alterations, find a good tailor in your area.

Dispose of your clothing responsibly

Finally, there will come a time when you need to get rid of some clothing that doesn’t fit or just isn’t your style any more. Here are some ways to give new life to your old clothes.  

Organize a clothing swap

You may be tired of your old clothes, but someone else might love them. Get a group of friends together for a clothing swap. It’s a chance to pick up some new items without spending any money.

For tips on how to organize a clothing swap, check out this post from my friends at A Sustainably Simple Life.

Sell used clothing

If you have quality pieces, try selling them online or through a consignment shop. It takes a little effort, but the extra money is always handy.

Repurpose worn out clothing

Old t-shirts can be repurposed as rags. Other things can be upcycled into usable items like quilts, rugs, stuffed toys and a ton of other options. Pinterest is a great source of ideas for upcycling clothes.

Donate usable—and even unusable—clothing

Finally, if you have clothing that you don’t want to sell, swap or upcycle, then donate it. Thrift stores will resell usable items. What you may not know is they will also take unusable clothing and other textiles and dispose of them appropriately.

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Like other aspects of eco-friendly living, a sustainable wardrobe is about progress not perfection. Committing to just a few of these changes will make a difference.

What’s your favourite sustainable wardrobe tip? Tell me about it below.